Core collection
We're putting together a core collection, to open our art collections for the public. This will be made available digitally in collaboration with the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (National Department Arthistorical Documentation, the Rijksdienst Cultureel Erfgoed (National Department Cultural Heritage) and museums which house part of the Rijksakademie collections.
Here you'll find some special pieces from the core collection:
Nude
The Rijksakademie owns a collection of drawings by Bernard Picart, which depict detail studies of old masters.
The French print artist Bernard Picart came to Amsterdam in 1711. He became member of the Stadstekenacademie, an early precursor of the Rijksakademie. Main activity during that time was the studying of and drawing after nude models.
Plaster casts
From the early 18th century on, platser casts of statues and fragments of the classical antiquity
and Renaissance are being collected.
Studying these casts was important to learn about beauty and the ideal proportions of the human budy. These idealisation was being used by drawing after nude models. The
Discus thrower was due to the its posture and shortening, difficult to draw. Jan Veth succeeded well.
Part of the Rijksakademie plaster casts collection, is being loaned tot the Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam.
Photo Rijksakademie
This photo is part of a series published by former student H.M. Krabbé in 1915. It gives insight in the practice of the academy (in that time situated at Stadhouderskade). Nicolaas van der Waay teaches painting after model.
The Rijksakademie was advanced in education for women, in comparison to national and international academies. From 1871 on, the academy was open to women. It would take until 1895 before they could draw after nude models.
Document
For correct depiction of the human body, it was important for the artist to study anatomy. Body proportions and the muscular system of humans and animals were being taught. That the artist had to learn this in detail, becomes clear when looking at the depicted notes from a female student, beginning of the 20th century.
Dozens of notebooks give insight in the education.
Gautier d’Agoty
The library was a vital source for information in the academy. Books and prints were being used in the education. This print depicts a woman with a anotomized back. The print is part of a anatomical atlas,
Myologie complete en couleur et grandeur naturelle. The Rijksakademie has 14 copies in its collection.
The academy probable didn't bought the prints to study the human body - these plates are not known for its anatomical correctness - but for the aesthetical value, the special printing and dazzling effect of the images.
Antiquarian collection: Dürer
Albrecht Dürer wrote and illustrated this book about human proportion, for which he did extended measuring research. He did justice to the diversity of body shapes of men, women and children.
Antiquarian collection: De Lairesse
